Tuesday, February 16, 2010

It's Tough Out There Folks

"Ray" is unemployed, homeless, and sleeps under a bridge. He says he can't build a fire for fear of attracting attention. By day he stands near a busy intersection hoping a good Samaritan will drop off some food or give him a few bucks. Most of the passing motorists avert their gaze pretending not to see him. Finally, a compassionate person slows her vehicle, rolls down the window, smiles and hands him a couple of wrapped sandwiches. Ray thanks her, stuffing his next meal into his coat pockets, then once again lifting the cardboard sign to the oncoming traffic.